Easy Problem
Graph the function f(x)=cos+3
The addition of 3 has the effect of moving the parent function up 3 units. Notice that the graph to the left has been moved up
until the sinusoidal axis is located at 3.
Medium Problem
Graph the Function f(x)=cos(x+11)-9
The addition of 11 in the inside of the parenthesis moves the graph 11 units to the left.
The subtraction of 9 outside the parenthesis moves the graph down 9 units, making the sinusoidal axis at -9 instead of at 0.
Challenge Problem
Graph the Function f(x)=3cos1/3(x+1)+4
First, lets start with the 1/3 in front of the parenthesis.
To find the period of a cosine graph, take the B value, which is 1/3, and
divide 2π by it. Therefore, the period of this graph is 2π/(1/3) which is 6π.
Next,
lets take the 3 from the front. This 3 increases the amplitude of the
graph to 3, instead of 1. Notice how the graph goes from a maximum of 7 (3 above the sinusoidal axis) to a minimum of 1 (3 below the sinusoidal axis).
Lastly,
the 1 added from inside the parenthesis moves the graph to the left 1 unit. And the addition of 4 outside the parenthesis moves the
graph up 4 units, putting the sinusoidal axis at 4.
Real-World Problem
Now that you know how to graph the cosine function, try out this real-world problem all by your self.
A man dives off of a diving board with a height of 12 ft. Using the equation f(x)=8cos2x+12, graph his trajectory into, and out of the water. Did the man hit the bottom of the pool if the pool is 6 ft. deep?
To look at some more examples of graphing sine and cosine, go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_NI50p-pcg